Strict enforcement of DWI, speeding laws planned

State, city and county law enforcement officers are reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions for the upcoming holiday travel period.

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel periods for motorists as thousands of drivers head out on the roadways and interstate highways.

Beginning June 28 and continuing through the following two weeks, officers will work to minimize the risk of fatalities by the strict enforcement of two of the most common traffic violations associated with fatal traffic crashes, driving while impaired and speeding.

Sobriety checkpoints and speed patrols will be a top priority for law enforcement statewide.

“Troopers will be aggressively enforcing the targeted laws during the upcoming holiday period,” said Col. Stan Witt, director of the Arkansas State Police and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Please drive safely, follow the speed limit and don’t drink and drive.”

Drinking and driving is a deadly combination and law enforcement officials are stressing the importance of designating a sober driver and refusing to ride with anyone who has been drinking.

“Speeding greatly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve. Speeding and impaired drivers put themselves, their passengers and other drivers at tremendous risk,” says Witt.

While death and injury are of course the most serious of possible consequences of drunk driving, there are other negative considerations that can affect lives for many years, including loss of a driver’s license, vehicle impoundment, jail time, lawyer fees, court costs and insurance hikes, just to name a few.

“All drivers should be on notice that a violation of these laws can be life changing.” said Witt. “Remember, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ and ‘Obey the Sign, or Pay the Fine’.”